OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A Norton Shores man accused of using his position as a military recruiter to engage in inappropriate contact with students has been arraigned on felony charges, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Marine Staff Sgt. Nicholas Phelps, 28, was arrested Jan. 9 after an investigation into allegations that he inappropriately texted and sexually contacted students from area schools, including in the Grand Haven area.
The investigation began in August 2025 after deputies received reports that inappropriate contact had occurred between students and a military recruiter roughly a year earlier. According to the sheriff’s office, Phelps allegedly used his recruiter role to gain access to the students and continue contact that later turned sexual.
Once the allegations were reported, deputies immediately took steps to block Phelps from any further contact with students. Investigators later determined that multiple girls from local schools were allegedly involved, and that both sexual contact and inappropriate electronic messaging had occurred.
Phelps was arraigned the same day as his arrest in the 58th District Court on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with persons aged 13 through 15. He was issued a $35,000 cash or surety bond, which authorities confirmed was posted. He is currently out of custody while awaiting his next court date.
Phelps is in the process of administrative separation from the Marines, an involuntary discharge process that often results in a soldier being given a less-than-honorable or dishonorable discharge. The outcome is dependent on the adjudication of his criminal case.
If found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a lifetime on the sex offender registry. He may also face charges in military court.
At least one victim has been identified in the case, though authorities have not released any names. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who may have had inappropriate contact with Phelps is urged to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at 616-738-4000 or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368).
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